Im at the end of my tether ...crashing PC

[booj]

Hi all,

After reinstalling everything on my system, and updating chipset drivers I have reinstalled some of my software.

I am now getting the same problem I was having before...The PC suddenly crashes. This could happen when playing a CD or when just opening My computer.

Yesterday when it happened I went into the BIOS and the keyboard wasn't responding so I had to reboot again. Then the PC may be fine for an hour or so.

This is really getting on my nerves. There are no conflicts, I installed XP as a standard PC, Ive tried disabling both my media drives but no joy....

Could this be a motherboard prob? Ive tested the ram with memtest and it seems to be ok, but Im not convinced..

Any advice?

[vass0922]

If the problem didn't start until you updated all of your drivers, that could be a problem. (if you had same version of drivers before/after reinstall they could have a bug)

Whats some specs?

There maybe a known issue already.

[Mickwish]

Test the RAM some more. Yes, it could be a mobo prob, but it also could be a compatibility issue (eg RAM speeds and vid memory speeds).

So, I suggest, list your specs, and include make/model where you can (if you know). Include all hardware if you can, and any out-of-spec stuff (eg overclocking).

Oh, and use DocMemory to test your RAM some more. Might pick up something memtest misses.

Cheers
Mick

[booj]

Oh guys,

A quick list of specs

Athlon1400XP V266b mobo, 512 DDR RAM (2*256)
80 gb Baracuda HD
A-Open CDR
Lite on DVD-R
N-Vidia graphics card (I think)
M-Audio 24/96 soundcard
Running windows XP Pro, set up as a standard PC

The problem was there before I updated all my drivers...

[lauroy8]

My friend had similar trouble, random crashes, just plain weird behaviour. Turned out it was a crappy power supply. Get one from a place that has a good return policy and try it.....if it doesn't fix things...take it back for refund. Sometimes he could boot and run games...then for no reason it would crash. New power supply fixed all.

[booj]

Cheers for the advice....

Can anyone recommend a good power supply? I have no idea what im after. . .

[grandchehaw]

I have been very happy with my Antec TruePower 430.

[booj]

Are there any specs I should bear in mind? Or is it a case of the more Watts the better??

[thronka]

You lo9ok at how much max you can put in the 12v, 3.3v and 5v rails. Look for about 350max if possible to ensure clean power. May I recommend a book called "Build a killer gaming mod rig"?

[booj]

Thanks for the advice guys, I will take a look at the ram and psu in the next couple of days...